Consider a future where inter-cultural clothing becomes more and more prominent. Isn’t it fantastic? This concept has served as the foundation for AKASHI-KAMA, a rising lifestyle brand in California, which aims to mix the best of both worlds.
In other areas of the world, Asian and American fashion are both noted for flair and distinctiveness. The designers of these two worlds create distinctive styles that consumers may buy without hesitation, and new designers must put in a lot of effort to create something unique.
The brand’s founder, Alec Nakashima, saw people’s interest early on and built a fashion business that catered specifically to these audiences by drawing on his own experience. He joins an emerging tier of designers not working on either American or Asian fashion, but merging and mixing the two.
What is the motivation behind a brand with a multi-cultural aim and vision like AKASHI KAMA?
A Unique World of AKASHI-KAMA
Alec Nakashima, the founder of AKASHI-KAMA, sought to combine streetwear with aesthetic tradition, and he wanted people to be able to wear it on a daily basis. His own desire to maintain a connection to family heritage is where he came up with the idea of blending the two worlds so that people could feel unified via clothing.
This fifth-generation American is designing from the perspective of Asians who were raised in America but want to maintain their heritage through clothing. His art flawlessly shows all he feels about both cultures, which is why more and more customers adore this brand.
Head Turning – ‘Kimono Jackets’
Some of the brand’s early works were Haori and Noragi Jackets, in which he combined street fashion with Japanese workwear. In contrast to the Japanese traditional Kimono, these coats have tapered armholes and loosely strung strings that hang naturally. When these jackets were first introduced, they quickly became the brand’s major appeal and have since become their hallmark piece. These garments combine the cultures of both worlds, making people fall in love with them even more.
Many magazines have featured the brand’s work, including GQ, Inside Hook, Oakland Magazine, the Pacific Citizen, and others. The creative director has also received The Japanese American National Museum’s 30 Under 30 Change Makers Award.
As time goes on, people’s fashion sense grows and changes, which is a positive sign and encourages them to explore this subject with fresh ideas. There were not many brands working so specifically on the notion of combining the two cultures before Akashi-Kama.
Nakashima took care of people’s wants after observing how multiple cultures can change and evolve over time. This is what inspired him to launch his company in 2018, and the brand is now recognized for it’s artistry and distinctive clothing as it continues to grow.
